Members of the media fraternity, friends and family members on Monday March 25, 2024 held a memorial service for journalist Rita Tinina at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi.
Rita’s former and current colleagues in the media industry used the opportunity to recount memories with her in their course of duty.
This follows her death on March 17, 2024 at her residence in Nairobi after suffering from acute pneumonia.
The celebrated television journalist had worked with several TV stations in Kenya but at the time of her death she was working at Nation Media Group’s NTV.
Speaking during the memorial service, NTV’s journalist Duncan Khaemba revealed that Rita Tinina would be buried a day before her 46th birthday.
At the same time, Linus Kaikai, Royal Media Services’ Group Editorial Director eulogized Tinina as someone who was focused on achieving the best in the media industry.
“Success, fame and money did not distort who she was at the core. Rita navigated this complex urban maze and flourished almost entirely out of a good upbringing,” said Kaikai.
Kakai termed the late Tinina a reliable and trustworthy journalist who always beat deadlines when working on any given assignment.
At the same time, Ken Mijungu of KTN where Rita worked before joining NTV in October 2023 described her as a gentle giant in journalism.
“Rita’s journalistic prowess transcends headlines; it wove narratives that touched many hearts, challenged the norms and sparked conversations,” Mijungu said.
Mijungu added that Tinina was a seeker of hidden stories, who was known for completing her tasks within the expected time.
In addition, NTV’s Olive Burrows remembered Tinina as a trusted colleague and a lady of few words.
“The extent of her influence is beyond comprehension,” Burrows said.
On the other hand, Tinina’s partner Robert Nagila remembered her beauty and warm heart, which he said made him attracted to her.
“When our paths first crossed, your beauty, hearty laughter and warm heart touched me. You were also the most stubborn person I have ever met, principled in your beliefs.
“Nina, last Sunday, your phone stopped ringing. Your passing has left a void that cannot be filled. but I am comforted by the fact that the memories of time spent will live on with us,” stated Nagila.
In his tribute, State House spokesperson and former Citizen TV news anchor Hussein Mohamed recalled how Tinina helped him build his career by teaching him on how to file a news story.
Other journalists who didn’t get a chance to speak during the memorial service took to social media to eulogize their colleague.
For instance, Fridah Mwaka shared a post reminiscing her last moments with Tinina at NTV.
Meanwhile, Joe Ageyo who was Rita Tinina’s boss at NTV, eulogized her as an exceptional journalist, who mentored many journalists in the media industry.
“She embodied simplicity, kindness, grace, humility to an extraordinary degree, impeccable organisation, unimpeachable integrity and rock-solid reliability,” said Ageyo.
“In spite of her impressive professional achievements and profile, Rita kept her feet firmly on the ground, and her life free of drama,” he added.
The veteran journalist, Tinina has left behind an eight-year-old daughter. A child that Nagila said she loved so much.
She will be laid to rest on Wednesday, March 27 at her family home at Noosupeni Farm Olokirikirai, Narok County.
